Aryna Sabalenka took a second to ship out an aesthetic message to Elena Rybakina following their Wuhan battle because the world No. 1 praised the Kazakh as a participant but in addition as an individual.
On Friday, Sabalenka and Rybakina met for the thirteenth time of their respective careers. And for the eighth time, the Belarusian completed on the profitable facet after registering a 6-3 6-3 win in simply lower than an hour and a half of play. The defending champion was in management from begin to end, amassing one break of serve within the first set and two further breaks within the second set to get the job achieved routinely.
Sabalenka: Rybakina is a superb participant and a really good woman… At all times pushes me to the restrict
“She’s a terrific participant. Very good woman. At all times powerful to play in opposition to. Now we have a extremely big historical past in opposition to one another. At all times nice battles. At all times thrilling taking part in her. She at all times pushes me to the restrict to get the win. Tremendous pleased with the efficiency at the moment. Pleased with the win. Actually pleased with the assist within the stadium, thanks guys for coming," the world No. 1 mentioned of the 26-year-old Kazakh.
Aryna Sabalenka had variety phrases for Elena Rybakina after beating her in Wuhan
“She’s a terrific participant. Very good woman. At all times powerful to play in opposition to. Now we have a extremely big historical past in opposition to one another. At all times nice battles. At all times thrilling taking part in her. She at all times pushes me to the… pic.twitter.com/nkYWD4qYSv
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 10, 2025
When it comes solely to the 2025 season, Sabalenka and Rybakina have met thrice. In Berlin, in late June, the Belarusian pulled off one of many craziest comebacks of her profession when she saved 4 consecutive match factors within the third-set tie-break to beat the 2022 Wimbledon champion 7-6 (6) 3-6 7-6 (6). In Cincinnati, the Kazakh acquired her revenge by claiming a 6-1 6-4 win.
